Ureteral Surgery in Lafayette, LA

What is Ureteral Surgery?

Ureteral surgeries are procedures that fix problems with the flow of urine and the kidney. Ureters are the tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder. If urine is not flowing through the ureters properly, then ureteral surgery might be needed to fix the problem.

Our board-certified urologists at Southern Urology are committed to delivering exceptional care tailored to your unique needs. We use the latest techniques and technology to ensure the best outcomes for ureteral surgery, whether through traditional or minimally invasive methods. With a focus on your comfort and recovery, we’ll work closely with you to manage your condition effectively and improve your quality of life.

What are Ureters?

The ureters are a crucial part of the urinary system. They carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder, ensuring the removal of waste products and regulating the body’s fluid and electrolyte balance.

 Who Needs Ureteral Surgery?

Often, urinary tract problems can go away on their own as a child grows. However, some conditions are severe and may damage the kidneys. In this case, ureteral surgery is essential for maintaining urinary health.

You may need ureteral surgery due to:

• a blockage in the ureter
• urine backing up in the ureter into the kidney (vesicoureteral reflux  or VUR)
• structural abnormalities
• kidney stones
• tumors within the ureter
• trauma or injury
• other conditions

Often, Southern Urology will monitor the function of the urinary tract and kidney for a while before deciding whether to perform surgery.

What Happens During Ureteral Surgery?

Ureteral surgery is a straightforward procedure with a high success rate. Be sure to talk to our board-certified urologists and address any questions or concerns so you can feel prepared for this procedure.

There are several types of ureteral surgery and here is what to expect:

• Ureteral Reimplantation  – This procedure involves repositioning the ureter where it connects to the bladder usually to treat VUR
• Ureteral Stent Placement – A tiny tube (stent) is inserted into the ureter to address obstructions or strictures
• Ureteroscopy – This minimally invasive procedure uses a thin tube with a camera to diagnose and treat conditions like kidney stones or tumors within the ureter
• Ureteral Reconstruction – In cases of injury, birth defects, or extensive damage, ureteral reconstruction is performed to surgically repair or replace a damaged portion of the ureter

Depending on your condition, you may need a traditional open or a robotically assisted minimally invasive procedure. Southern Urology will discuss with you which option is more suitable for your  unique situation.

What is the Recovery Process for Ureteral Surgery?

After the surgery, you can expect:

• Close supervision as you wake up from anesthesia
• Monitoring your throat for soreness if a breathing tube was used
• Medication to manage your pain
• A catheter in your urethra is often used while in the hospital
• When home, avoid water activities including bathing or swimming
• Rest and avoid any strenuous activity for several weeks
• You may need stool softeners or other medication
• You may need to urinate more often
• Follow-up with your doctor and discuss any complications
• If any stitches or staples need to be removed, this is done a week or two after surgery
• If you had a stent in the ureter, it will be removed in after about a month
• To ensure the ureter is open and functioning normally, an imaging test is recommended about three months post surgery